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A new property has been included on the top ten discounted properties nationwide list from SQM Research at number six.
The home, 160 Great Eastern Highway, Glen Forrest (WA - above) has had a reduction of 31 percentage points since being listed. It replaced 13/83 Aralia Street, Rapid Creek, NT, which sold last week for $240,000, $10,000 under the already reduced asking price of $250,000 according to SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher.
He said the property first came onto the market back in July 2015 with an original asking range of $1.3 - $1.5 million and at the end of last month the vendor slashed this price down to just $900,000, a total reduction of $400,000.
"The property is set on a massive 2018 sqm block with one gigantic family home, and bonus powered workshop," he said.
"The home consists of six bedrooms, two bathrooms, home theatre and study. It home also features a handy solar system with a three phase inverter which means no more annoying electricity bills.
"A reduction this large means business."
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One new property on SQM's top ten discounts list

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Heritage property in Perth is common in Fremantle with suburbs Mount Lawley, Bassendean, Perth, Guildford, Bicton, Dalkeith and Calremont boasting a choice of Federation style homes that are keenly sought after by renters according to analyst firm Herron Todd White. 
HTW’s recent heritage market report said entry level heritage property in both Mount Lawley and Fremantle is under $1 million for a basic and neglected dwelling on a smaller allotment, however properties that have undergone a significant restoration can command well above $2 million.
HTW warned it can be very easy to over-capitalise on these properties and those that fall at the upper end of the value range in the area are often the first to feel a slowdown in the market. 
“In relation to tenancy appeal, there is very good tenant demand for these properties, as tenants are renting a lifestyle that they can not afford to finance or purchase,” HTW said.
“The lower end of the market is often keenly sought after in the rental market, reflecting a well located property with a character feel.
“Both Mount Lawley and Fremantle offer a wide selection of rental properties constructed in the Federation style and the amenities offered within both areas increases the demand and ensures a consistency of occupancy.”
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Heritage Federation rentals sought after in Perth's Mount Lawley, Fremantle: HTW

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Shaped terracotta blocks from the basis of a new hybrid residential development in Sydney’s inner city suburb of Alexandria.
Triangular-shaped cut-out terracotta blocks used as screen walls have been designed to give Teracota, 2-24 Mitchell Road Alexandria a layered look and cast shadow patterns on to the façade as well as to pay homage to the site’s original red brick warehouse.
John Wilkins from Bennett Murada Architects said the intention is to give Teracota a point of difference to the ‘Look at me! Look at me!’ architectural approach of random shapes and splashes of colour which now dominate many Sydney buildings.
“Terracotta is a traditional-looking material that will endure, much like the warehouses and factories that gave the neighbourhood its original character,” he said. 
Teracota is being developed by LIVstyle, with company director Aaron Tippett describes Teracota as a ‘hybrid’ of residences that will cater for a variety of prospective purchasers. 
The development will also feature a large, central courtyard with aged brick pathways, seating areas, gazebo shading, mature trees and expanses of lawn. 
Strata levies are estimated to be $500, $950 and $1,100 per quarter for one, two and three bedroom residences.
Interior features include high ceilings, blackbutt flooring in all living areas, thick pile wool carpets in bedrooms, and double glazed windows throughout. 
Kitchens include CaesarStone benchtops, smoked ash timber veneer accents and Miele appliances, including a double-door integrated fridge. Master bathrooms will be finished in limestone, with a freestanding bath, frameless glass shower screen and high-quality Parisi tapware.
Floor-to ceiling, wall-to-wall glass doors slide or concertina to open up living areas to the balconies and terraces, which are framed by the terracotta brickwork.  
Peter Shield from Ray White Erskineville said Alexandria led the residential renaissance of Sydney’s former industrial inner suburbs around 20 years ago.  
“It spearheaded the rise in property values of neighbouring suburbs Waterloo, Erskineville, Zetland and Rosebery, and its cosmopolitan lifestyle continues to attract attention, particularly from owner-occupiers,” said Mr Shield. 
“Alexandria is on the cusp of Green Square - Australia’s largest urban renewal project - just minutes from Sydney Airport and four kilometres from the Sydney GPO. It has excellent schools, innovative dining options, exciting art galleries, eclectic shops and a dynamic community. 
“Teracota will further enhance the cache of Alexandria.” 
Teracota will include: 
12 three-bedroom terraces
·       All have direct and private street access and direct internal access from 
private lock-up garage
-       All have private courtyards.
-       All have two parking spaces 
·       Sizes: from 165sqm (internal) to 233sqm (internal)
·       Prices: from $1.6M to $1.9M
8 three-bedroom penthouses 
·       All with private rooftop gardens equal in size to the floor area below  
·       Sizes: from 115sqm (internal) to 135sqm (internal)
·       Parking: two spots each
·       Prices: from $1.45M to $1.8M
7 two-bedroom apartments
·       Sizes: from 75sqm (internal) to 85sqm (internal)
·       Parking: one spot each
·       Prices: from $1.1M to $1.35M
 
2 one-bedroom apartments
·       Sizes: from 53sqm (internal)
·       Parking: one spot each
·       Prices: from $795,000  
LIVstyle expects construction of Teracota will start in August. For more information go to <a href="https://www.teracota.com.au/" target="_blank">www.teracota.com.au</a>
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New Alexandria residential development embraces its working class roots

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/57114/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
The federal government’s Smart Cities Plan is framed around the “30-minute city”. In this city, journeys will take no more than half an hour, regardless of your location.
The recently released plan has significant implications for population, transport provision and land-use intensity in neighbourhoods – the places where people live and how they get around. The realisation of its goals will require ongoing densification of Australian suburbs.
<h2>Cities with more houses, more people, more NIMBYs</h2>
The doubling of the population in some Australian cities by 2045 is likely to generate fierce opposition to housing and transport projects.
Many medium-density housing projects prompt residents to act strategically to protect their neighbourhoods, even when these projects improve housing affordability and access to jobs and services.
Resistance is also directed at major infrastructure. Fierce campaigns are being (or have been) waged against Melbourne’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-sky-rail-saga-can-big-new-transport-projects-ever-run-smoothly-54383">“</a>sky rail” project and East West Link, Sydney’s ANZAC Parade light rail and Westconnex projects, and the Perth Freight Link.
Such opposition is not only felt through the planning system. Residents also use political channels to stop projects, as with the East West Link.
<h2>How should government respond to community resistance?</h2>
Contestation over city planning should not be shut down. Rather, we need to think about citizen opposition as a constructive process for working through difference. Here are five points to consider when including people in the delivery of the 30-minute city.
Point 1: We need active governments and active citizens
Private-sector lobbyists argue government is poorly placed to deliver small- and large-scale infrastructure. But think about a city with no roads, sewers, hospitals or schools. Without government-led planning, our cities would be dysfunctional places to live.
However, governments are not benevolent institutions. Active citizenries have long scrutinised the efficacy of government decisions.
The introduction of private and non-government infrastructure providers further complicates the relationship between citizens and governments. Whose interests does urban development then serve – a local community, regional community, or developers?
Governments need to be ready to answer questions about the role of the private sector and to change their plans following community input.
Point 2: More than finding better participation tools
Urban planning systems play important roles in engaging residents. However, community consultation has been sporadic. Neighbourhood meetings and letterbox notifications often fail to ignite engagement.
Then there is the question of representation. Community consultations attract the “usual suspects”. Time-poor working-age households and young professionals find it difficult to fit engagement with planning into their busy lives. Even more rarely does planning engage with youth and children about their visions and hopes for cities.
Local and state governments are aware of the need for new ways to bring citizens into decision-making. Infrastructure Victoria’s citizen jury panels are meeting mid-2016. Social media is also being considered as a way to engage a broader public about city futures.
However, when planning departments use social media the uptake by communities is poor. Our research suggests opponents to planned projects, rather than planning departments, are more likely to use social media.
The problem with current participation tools is their failure to account for conversations, debates and protests that take place outside the formal planning process. We need ways to include these discussions.
Point 3: Moving beyond NIMBYism
Not all community campaigns are the same. The dominant narrative around community participation in urban planning centres on the pejorative idea of “the NIMBY” (not in my backyard).
The term NIMBY is frequently used to delegitimise the claims of citizens opposing planned developments. They are characterised as self-interested residents who resist the inclusion of new social groups in their neighbourhoods, or any change to the built or natural environment.
Deliberately labelling these residents as self-interested fails to recognise the positive roles they can play. Local resident campaigns can focus on city-wide or local issues. They can range from unwavering opposition to more flexible and reflexive engagement in an urban discussion.
Some community campaigns might be viewed as vital forms of urban citizenship. Others are seen as “protecting their patch” against the best interests of the broader citizenry. Both views should be part of our discussion about city planning.
Point 4: The conversation never stops
An active citizenry is involved in short-term “one-off” planning and long-term strategic planning. Too often, public participation roles are confined to one end of this spectrum. For example, the NSW government recently attempted to limit public participation to high-level strategic planning documents, reducing community input into individual developments.
Most people have little knowledge of the urban planning system. A recent study found only 24 percent of Sydney residents surveyed were aware of the Sydney metropolitan plan. Confining participation to upfront strategic consultation limits community involvement.
For most people, engagement with planning and development issues will be reactionary. People engage with the planning system when a development is proposed for their area.
However, a recent national survey revealed that 65 percent of responses believed urban residents should be involved in each stage of the strategy-making process. Most will not be involved, but options for participation should not be confined to upfront consultation.
By engaging the community in an ongoing discussion we can listen and respond to local interests without compromising the broader strategic and long-term vision for our cities.
Point 5: Metropolitan-wide but locally situated debate
There will be winners and losers in the 30-minute city. Houses will be acquired, buildings will be demolished and sections of the natural environment will make way for new infrastructure.
Over the last decade, the idea of consensus has dominated participatory approaches. However, consensus-seeking is not always the best way to work through community disagreement. In some cases, consensus can be manipulative, or useful for mobilising resident opposition.
We need to recognise that cities are home to many different people who hold diverse views and values, and who will not always agree. Rather than aiming for consensus, we should set our sights on metropolitan-wide, locally situated debate, which supports an active citizenry.
In the end, the difference between no action and implementation may be in “agreeing to disagree” through open discussion about the planning of the city.
Crystal Legacy is Australian Research Council (DECRA) Fellow and Vice Chancellor's Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/crystal-legacy-18412" target="_blank">here</a>.
Dallas Rogers is lecturer in Urban Studies, Western Sydney University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dallas-rogers-5269" target="_blank">here</a>.
Cristian Ruming associate professor in Urban Geography, Macquarie University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kristian-ruming-173545" target="_blank">here</a>.
Nicole Cook is researcher, School of Geography, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicole-cook-220909" target="_blank">here</a>.
All are authors for The Conversation.
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‘30-minute city’? Not in my backyard! Smart Cities Plan must let people have their say

Property 101: Foreign resident capital gains withholding rules

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AC Property has earmarked the sales potential of student renters from China.
It suggests developers and agents can build a database of potential sales contacts that will buffer any property market downturn.
New research from <a href="https://www.acproperty.com.au/en/?australia_chinese_property_site" target="_blank">AC Property</a> shows that 56 percent of rental enquiries from these students request property purchasing information within seven months.
Esther Yong, director of AC Property said such figures suggest most Chinese student renters are already planning to buy a property when they first make a rental enquiry and she believes these rental enquiries may not only contain your next biggest sales lead, but could build a database that will ride you out while other investors wait for further policy changes before deciding their next move. 
"More foreign investment policies and lending restrictions have recently been imposed to deter foreigners from buying Australian properties, sparking concerns on property sales within the real estate industry," she said.
"One might expect this to result in slowing interest in property investment from overseas investors in the short term. However, let’s not forget the other groups of buyers who have stronger reasons to purchase properties in Australia, beyond building a wealthy portfolio – education and migration.
"While one might question their financial capability in purchasing properties, most Chinese students would still be receiving financial support from their families. Our survey shows that, a family will spend an average of $50,000 a year to support their studying child in Australia. Of these families, more than 85 percent are interested in receiving information about new development projects near their child’s university.
"Anecdotally, owning property, rather than renting, is also one of the highest priorities for a Chinese family.
"Therefore, It is not unusual to expect a well-financed Chinese student renter looking to buy shortly after they sign their rental contract."
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Student renters the key to buffering investment downturn: AC Property

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New Planning Panels headed by District Commissioners will streamline regionally significant planning across Sydney, according to the Greater Sydney Commission. 
The independent panels will start operating on 21 November 2016 and will replace the existing Sydney East Joint Regional Planning Panel and the Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel. 
Greater Sydney Commission CEO Sarah Hill said the District Commissioners are already listening to stakeholders and residents to shape the future vision for their districts. 
“District Commissioners, who understand the strategic vision for their respective districts, will chair the new panels,” she said. 
“We have been talking to stakeholders from day one and are about to launch an unprecedented level of community engagement.” 
“This means when the District Commissioners start chairing the panels in November they will know their area, the people and the over-arching vision for that district.” 
She said the panels aimed to improve decision making time frames for assessing regionally significant planning applications. 
“We are also aiming to reduce pre-gateway or rezoning review timeframes to less than 90 days for 85 percent of requests,” she said. 
The Sydney Planning Panels will take on responsibility for a number of key planning approval activities including determining regionally significant development applications (generally development with a capital investment value of more than $20M) and considering pre-gateway (rezoning) reviews, allowing requests for reviews of council decisions or lack of decisions within 90 days. 
Six Sydney Planning Panels will be established, with one panel for each District 
Each will be led by a District Commissioner and have four expert members with strategic and statutory planning expertise. Two representatives will be appointed by the Council and two will be Government appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ answers questions regarding the commencement of the Greater Sydney Commission’s Sydney Planning Panels and the process of transition from the existing Joint Regional Planning Panels by 21 November 2016.
What are the Sydney Planning Panels, what is their geographic remit and function?
The Greater Sydney Commission Act 2015 (the GSC Act) commenced on 27 January 2016. The GSC Act enables the Minister for Planning to create Sydney Planning Panels. A Sydney Planning Panel is taken to be a Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (the EP&amp;A Act).
Sydney Planning Panels will be established to replace the existing Sydney East JRPP and the Sydney West JRPP.
The Sydney Planning Panels will determine regionally significant development applications (generally development with a capital investment value of more than $20M) within the Greater Sydney Region (as defined in the GSC Act); and consider pre-Gateway (rezoning) reviews, through which proponents can request a review if a council decides not to support a rezoning request or doesn’t make a determination within 90 days.
These are the same functions as the current Joint Regional Planning Panels.
The City of Sydney will continue to be excluded from the operation of the Sydney Planning Panels for the consideration of development matters. The Central Sydney Planning Committee will continue to operate as normal. Pre-gateway (rezoning) reviews for the City of Sydney will continue to be undertaken by the Planning and Assessment Commission.
When will the Sydney Planning Panels commence?
The Sydney Planning Panels will commence on Monday 21 November 2016. Until then the existing Sydney East JRPP and the Sydney West JRPP will continue to operate.
Starting the Sydney Planning Panels in November 2016 will allow the Commission and specifically the Commissioners, to focus initially on the important strategic work of developing the draft District Plans for exhibition. It allows time for a smooth transition with minimal disruption to operations and decisions.
Who will be the members of the Sydney Planning Panels?
The Sydney Planning Panels will comprise of five members:
A Greater Sydney Commission District Commissioner – the Chair
Two state appointed representatives
Two council appointed representatives
How many Sydney Planning Panels will there be?
Six Sydney Planning Panels will be established, one for each district in Greater Sydney.
The boundaries for the Sydney Planning Panels will reflect the district boundaries declared under the EP&amp;A Act.
The relevant District Commissioner will chair the Sydney Planning Panel for their district. As with the JRPPs the council appointed representatives for the relevant local government area will sit on the relevant Sydney Planning Panel when considering matters in their local government area.
The new members of the Sydney Planning Panels will be announced by the end of June 2016.
Why have more than two Sydney Planning Panels?
A key outcome of establishment of Sydney Planning Panels is to improve the timeframes for the determination of development applications and pre-gateway (rezoning) reviews. Creating six panels evens the workload across Sydney allowing for faster decisions.
District Commissioners will continue to build relationships with the councils within their District and build strong ties that will help councils to assess development matters in a more effective and efficient manner.
What role will the draft District Plans play in consideration of local plans by the Sydney Planning Panels?
The draft District Plans are currently being developed and will be exhibited by no later than January 2017.
The draft District Plans will be a matter the Sydney Planning Panels must take into consideration when reviewing local environmental plans and considering pre- Gateway (rezoning) review requests, as part of the strategic basis for future land use outcomes.
What happens if I have a matter with the Joint Regional Planning Panel and it has not been finalised?
Any development application or pre-Gateway (rezoning) review that was lodged but has not been determined by 21 November 2016 will be determined by the relevant Sydney Planning Panel.
If a JRPP has been appointed as the relevant planning authority for a rezoning prior to 21 November 2016 that function will transition to the relevant Sydney Planning Panel.
What is the role of the Department of Planning and Environment (Department) with the Sydney Planning Panels and planning proposals?
The Department will continue to provide the same level of secretariat support for the new Sydney Planning Panels.
The Department will continue to review planning proposals, issue Gateway determinations and make LEPs as a delegate of the Greater Sydney Commission until advised otherwise.
The existing plan making delegations to local government remain in place.
How will the Sydney Planning Panels improve procedures and outcomes?
The new approach of six Sydney Planning Panels will aim to improve determination time frames by at least 10% within 12 months of establishing the Sydney Planning Panels, and reduce pre-gateway (rezoning) review timeframes to less than 90 days for 85% of requests.
The Greater Sydney Commission will monitor the functions of the Department of Planning and Environment as their delegate and will review the efficiency of process and effectiveness of outcomes regularly.
The Government is committed to the smooth transition from the JRPPs to the Sydney Planning Panels and the new Panels will be supported throughout their establishment and during the transition to minimise any disruption to important development and rezoning decisions.
When will the review of the pre-Gateway (rezoning) review process be finalised?
The Department of Planning and Environment has recently undertaken a review of the pre-Gateway (rezoning) review process to ensure it is achieving its objectives and operating in the most transparent and efficient manner. The outcomes of this review are proposed to be finalised and implemented by June 2016.
Where do I get further information?
If you require further information about the operation of Sydney Planning Panels please contact the Joint Regional Planning Secretariat on 02 9228 2060 or at <a href="mailto:jrppenquiry@jrpp.nsw.gov.au">jrppenquiry@jrpp.nsw.gov.au</a>
If you require further information about the role and functions of the Sydney Planning Panels, please contact the Greater Sydney Commission on 02 8289 6200 or at <a href="mailto:info@gsc.nsw.gov.au">info@gsc.nsw.gov.au</a> 
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Property 101: New planning panels for Sydney

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Preliminary auctions results in Melbourne for the week ending May 22 show a clearance rate of 70.7 percent, down from 71.3 percent last week.
Melbourne’s Inner sub-region held a 72.2 percent clearance rate, with the Outer East region at 80 percent across 50 results from 57 auctions.
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Melbourne's outer east holds 80 percent clearance rate: CoreLogic RP Data

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The Central Queensland wet season has now concluded and most areas have received at least average rainfall for this period, however some patchy dry areas remain, particularly in the Central West.
 
After some good March rainfall, most graziers from the Central Highlands to the coast are entering the winter months with a fair body of feed.
 
Transactional activity continues at a steady pace with a number of sales across all market spectrums, according to valuer Herron Todd White's latest rural report.
 
Some offerings have been passed in at auction or alternatively withdrawn from sale as a result of firming vendor expectations.
 
Albinia which comprises a 19,177 hectare scrub and forest grazing property located 180 kilometres north-west of Clermont was offered at auction during March. The property was well contested but was passed in and reportedly sold soon after for $11.5 million.
 
The property last sold in October 2009 for $11.75 million on a walk in, walk out basis. Allowing for the inclusions in the previous sale, it indicates an increase on the 2009 sale in the order of 12 percent.  
 
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Central Queensland farm secures 12 percent price growth: HTW

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Heritage property renovators are encouraged to be as creative as possible within any heritage constraints while refreshing for appeal and necessity according to Herron Todd White, whose latest residential market report concentrates on residential heritage market in inner Sydney.
HTW says the council must consider the effect of any proposed development in the area surrounding heritage items or conservation areas, this ensures an appropriate context for heritage items and that owning a heritage listed property can bring other advantages such as protection of an item.
"Owners are typically not permitted to render the front facade, demolish and rebuild or build up and they are encouraged to be as creative as possible in their restorative thinking to make the property both liveable and appealing," HTW said.
"The way the dwelling looks from the street will usually have to be maintained, from the chimney to the roof line. You can have a Federation front and go completely contemporary with an extension or addition at the rear. 
"There are higher restoration costs for craftsmanship especially when period features such as decorative ceilings, cornices and ornate fireplaces are to be retained and also heritage specialist fees."
The report noted the recent sale of ten properties at Millers Point owned by the NSW Government that went up for auction.
"A heritage listed terrace at 40 Argyle Place, Millers Point sold on 25 February 2016 for $2.75 million and comprises a two storey, circa 1887 Victorian Terrace with 4-bedrooms and 1-bathroom with no car accommodation on 128 square metres of land. The property is in need of a full restoration," it said.
"9 Pickering Lane, Woollahra sold on 20 November 2015 for $2.025 million and comprises a circa 1880 single level neo-Georgian sandstone cottage with 2-bedrooms and 1-bathroom and no car accommodation on 152 square metres of land. The property has retained the front façade with an architecturally designed extension at the rear."
 
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Liveability, appeal key to Inner city Sydney heritage restoration: HTW

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

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